Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Mild Hydrofunctionalizations Of Olefins Using More Cost-Effective Metal Catalysts, Alexander James Villani-Gale

Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation is the study of alkene hydroaylation reactions. In the first chapter, a review of the relevant literature concerning zinc- and iron-catalyzed hydroarylation of unsaturated bonds is presented. In chapter two, the development of a zinc-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkenes is presented, which is quickly followed by a detailed investigation into the probable mechanism. Chapter three discusses the development of an iron/silver-catalyzed arene prenylation reaction, followed by the development of an iron/zinc-catalyzed arene prenylation reaction. The final section of chapter three discusses the adaptation of the iron/zinc-catalyzed arene prenylation into an undergraduate organic teaching laboratory.